Bacon mac and cheese noodles and company mac#

The above mac and cheese recipe includes some healthier swaps that make it lower in calories and higher in protein and fiber than traditional mac and cheese.

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Feel free to take any of the suggestions listed above to make this mac and cheese even lower in calories or richer in nutrients. You can keep the leftovers for up to 5 days in your refrigerator. For a low carb alternative, replace the pasta with broccoli or cauliflower florets. Instead of using refined white flour as a thickening agent, this cheese sauce employs a small amount of xanthan gum, a powerful thickener that can be bought online or at natural grocers.Īdditionally, this recipe is gluten-free and can easily be made vegetarian- or vegan-friendly by replacing the butter with olive oil and the cheese with a non-dairy cheese substitute. One serving contains:Ĭhickpea pasta contains more protein and fiber than regular macaroni, and swapping white milk for unsweetened almond milk cuts some fat and calories. This recipe makes approximately six 1-cup servings.

Add the cooked pasta and mix it well to evenly distribute the sauce.

Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts.

Mix in the unsweetened almond milk, broth, and salt and simmer for 5–6 minutes, stirring regularly, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Add the xanthan gum and mix it with the butter well.

In a large pot, melt the butter until it’s slightly bubbly.

Prepare the chickpea macaroni according to the package instructions and set aside.

1 cup (125 grams) of shredded cheddar cheese.

1 1/2 cup (360 ml) of chicken or vegetable broth.

1 1/2 cup (360 ml) of unsweetened almond milk.

12 ounces (340 grams) of chickpea pasta elbows, dry.

Here is a healthier recipe for traditional mac and cheese that still results in a rich, creamy side dish. Also, make sure to limit yourself to no more than 1 cup (150–250 grams) per serving. There are several ways to lower the calorie count of your mac and cheese, as well as make it healthier.

Add diced chicken breast or other lean protein sources, such as tuna or beans, to make the dish more filling and higher in protein.Īlso, keep in mind that because mac and cheese is typically rich and calorie-laden, you should enjoy it in moderation and limit your serving size to no more than 1 cup (approximately 150–250 grams) per serving.

Use Neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese, which provides the same tangy flavor and creamy texture in fewer calories.

Swap cream and milk for unsweetened nut milk, which may reduce calories.

Halve the amount of cheese used and add herbs and spices to flavor the dish instead.

Add vegetables to your mac and cheese to increase the fiber and nutrient contents and decrease the calories per serving.

Follow the directions for “light preparation” on boxed mac and cheese products, as they require less butter and milk.

Use cauliflower or broccoli florets instead of plain macaroni to reduce carbs and calories.

Use high protein, high fiber pasta made from beans or chickpeas instead of plain macaroni to increase its protein and fiber contents.

Here are a few healthier swaps for your macaroni and cheese: These rich ingredients make mac and cheese a tasty dish to enjoy in moderation, but thankfully, there are easy swaps you can make to reduce the calorie content or make the dish healthier. Some versions also include cream cheese or butter, which provide additional fat and calories. Mac and cheese is typically made with rich, high calorie ingredients like pasta, cheese, and milk or cream.

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How to reduce the calorie count of mac and cheese It’s also high in sodium with 600–1,200 mg per serving. Macaroni and cheese is typically high in calories, containing 300–500 calories per serving. In return, you have the option to omit adding extra sodium.Īs all of these options are relatively high in calories and sodium for 1 cup (about 150–250 grams) of food, you should only eat mac and cheese in moderation or as an occasional treat as part of a healthy diet. Meanwhile, homemade mac and cheese - both regular and gluten-free - has the highest calorie count, as this version is typically made with large amounts of cheese, milk, cream cheese, or butter. It’s recommended that most people don’t exceed around 2,300 mg per day of this mineral, as excessive intake may cause high blood pressure in some individuals (8, 9)ĭaiya “Cheezy Mac” - a dairy-free brand - has the lowest calorie count with only 300 calories per 1/3 package (100 grams), which equates to about a 1-cup serving.

Eating more calories than you burn, regardless of which foods they come from, can lead to weight gain.Īdditionally, mac and cheese is high in sodium. Mac and cheese contains large amounts of fat and refined carbs, both of which contribute to its high calorie count.